Latest Features

Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:37:05 +1200

Maori Language Week is an entire week -- 21-27 Hōngongoi 2008 -- dedicated to celebrating the beauty of one our most paramount taonga tuku iho –Te Reo Māori.

We should use this opportunity to promote the importance of keeping the spirit of our reo alive and vibrant within our communities, says Māori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia.

Māori Language Week's 2008 theme is Te Reo i te Kāinga - Māori Language in the Home, inviting us to help te reo to live and grow in our own homes.

Te Reo Māori – Māori Language – plays a huge part of our national identity an has become and integral part of who we are and how we live our everyday lives as New Zealanders.

Māori Language Week began in 1975 and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori/ Māori Language Commission; Te Puni Kôkiri/ Ministry of Māori Development and Te Kâhui Tika Tangata/ Human Rights Commission started working together in 2003 to coordinate activities. Each year this week longer celebration of Te Reo grows from strength to strength.

I am a proud supporter of Te Reo Māori week and all the work the Labour-led government has done to support the retention and revitalization of the Māori language.

By encouraging the use of Māori language in homes, in classrooms and beyond we are ensuring that one of our national treasures stays alive for future generations to enjoy.

So during Māori Language do your part to keep Te Reo Māori alive by getting out there and giving Maori language a go! Korero Maori!

Ideas for Māori Language Week from www.korero.maori.nz:

Learn some greetings in Te Reo Māori
Learn some basic phrases
Learn some phrases for special occasions

Ideas on the theme, 'Te Reo i te Kāinga - Māori Language in the Home'

Create Māori language zones. The kitchen can be a 'Māori only' area. Maybe the dining room, your lounge or your desk can be reo Māori zones. Your car could become a reo Māori zone on wheels! While you're in these zones, speak Māori only and encourage those with you to do the same.
Schedule some Māori language times. Perhaps lunch or dinner can be a kōrero Māori time for you and your whānau. Maybe Saturday or Sunday mornings work better. You and your partner could decide to do your shopping in te reo Māori. It doesn't need to be a long time - 10 minutes a day will make a difference to your skills.
Practise with your children. Read Māori language books aloud to your children and watch Māori language children's programmes with them.
What's the Māori word for ...? There's nothing like a note when it comes to naming common household items. Let the family know you're going to use only the Māori word for that thing or activity from now on. Label 5-10 new things a week.
Listen to or view Māori media. Māori language have never been more accessible. Watch Māori Television at home and listen to your local Māori radio station. Visit your local library to borrow Māori music, DVDs, videos and books. Add Māori books, music and CDs to your birthday shopping list!
Use the Internet. Do a Google search on 'Māori language', 'Māori language lessons', Māori conversation' etc. Try out basic commands and phrases in these booklets: 'Using Māori in the Home'; 'Kei Roto i te Whare'.

Why is Maori Language Week important?

Māori Language Week is an entire week dedicated to celebrating the beauty of one our most paramount taonga tuku iho –Te Reo Māori. We should all try to use this opportunity to promote the importance of keeping the spirit of our reo alive and vibrant within our communities.

What sort of state is te reo in at the moment?

I think that Te Reo is in one of the best states it’s been in for a very long time. In a 2006 survey over half of those who identified as Māori said they could speak Te Reo to some degree.

Kohanga, Kura and Wananga as well as iwi radio, Māori television and Maori broadcasting have all played a huge part in ensuring that Te Reo continues to grow and flourish as a living language. Just recently we celebrate 500,000 hours of Māori Broadcasting. An amazing feat.

Should most New Zealanders be thinking about te reo just once a year, or should it be spoken more in general society?
It’s great to take a week out once a year to focus on celebrating a language that is one of the cornerstones of our National Identity. In all honesty, I think most New Zealanders do think of and use Maori language more than once a year. So many Maori words are accepted as part of our everyday vocabulary- like ‘kia ora’ ‘ka kite’ or ‘ka pai’.

By encouraging the use of Māori language in homes, in classrooms and beyond we are ensuring that one of our national treasures stays alive for future generations to enjoy. So during Māori Language do your part to keep Te Reo Māori alive by getting out there and giving Māori language a go! Korero Māori!

Rail back in New Zealand hands

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:27:13 +1200

The transfer of New Zealand’s rail assets back into New Zealand hands is a major step forward in building a sustainable transport system for the 21st Century.

The rail and ferry assets of Toll New Zealand were transferred into government ownership today. A new KiwiRail establishment board will manage the services, pending determination of the final shape of the relationship between KiwiRail and OnTrack – the SOE which runs the rail track.

"With rising fuel prices and a sense of urgency in the fight against climate change, governments around the world are again looking to rail as a central part of 21st century economic infrastructure," said Prime Minister Helen Clark.

With our rail system back in public ownership, we can make the strategic decisions and investments necessary for rail to play its full part in building a more sustainable New Zealand. Over time, we will be able to move more and more freight off our roads and onto rail. Rail will also play a bigger role in public transport in our major centres

Overall, we can ensure that it works in New Zealand interests, supporting the needs of New Zealand business and New Zealand’s communities.

Finance Minister Michael Cullen said that under a National Government in the 1990s, New Zealand was the first nation to privatise a hitherto national rail system completely, but that move had clearly not worked.

"From asset stripping to trading scandals, New Zealand’s experiment with rail privatisation failed to produce much needed investments in this critical part of New Zealand’s transport infrastructure," said Dr Cullen.

"Toll Holdings had made good progress in recent years, but it has become clear to all that the rail network could not be run without substantial government subsidies into the future.

By bringing our rail system back into public ownership – following the buyback of the tracks four years ago – we will spare future generations from subsidising a private rail operator and will be able to create an integrated, sustainable transport system.

This is a long-term investment in New Zealand’s future. The government is confident that KiwiRail will make a huge contribution to our economy.

More information

Rail back in New Zealand hands -- Joint statement by Prime Minister Helen Clark and finance Minister Michael Cullen on the transfer of New Zealand’s rail assets back into New Zealand. 1 July, 2008.
Jim Bolger to lead New Zealand’s public rail system -- Media statement by finance Minister Michael Cullen announcing that former Prime Minister Jim Bolger has been appointed chair of the establishment board of KiwiRail, which will manage the business previously known as Toll Rail. 1 July, 2008
A strong, thriving rail network for New Zealand -- Finance Minister Michael Cullen on living up to our full economic and environmental potential. Speech, 1 July 2008
KiwiRail Launch -- Prime Minister Helen Clark speaks at the launch of KiwiRail. Speech. 1 July 2008
Rail buy-back a new sustainable era for transport – Helen Clark and Michael Cullen announce the purchase of Toll New Zealand’s rail and ferry business. Joint media statement, 5 May 2008
Budget buys rail back for New Zealanders – Budget 2008 includes $690 million in capital funding to buy back the rail system after 15 years of private ownership. Michael Cullen media statement, 22 May 2008
Rail buy back marks new sustainable era for transport – agreement with Toll Holdings Ltd for the purchase of Toll New Zealand’s rail and ferry business. Joint media statement: Prime Minister Helen Clark and Finance Minister Michael Cullen. 5 May, 2008
Govt moves to protect rail network – in June 2003, the government signed a Heads of Agreement to buy the rail network for $1, take out a 35 per cent stake in Tranz Rail and rescue it from insolvency through a $44m cash injection. Joint media statement by then-Transport Minister Paul Swain and Finance Minister Michael Cullen. 6 June, 2003

CNI Iwi Forestry Agreement

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:32:34 +1200

1. What is the total cost to the Crown?

The value of the Crown land to be transferred to the Central North Island Forest Iwi Collective is $195.7 million. In addition, the Collective will receive the rentals that have accumulated on the land since 1989, which are worth approximately $223 million, and an annual income stream of about $13 million.

As with previous settlements, these rentals and the future rental stream the Collective will receive from that land are not considered as financial redress as they represent the income the land owner would have received if the land had been transferred in 1989, and are not costs to the Crown.

2. Who benefits from this settlement?

The iwi who make up the Collective and will receive the redress are Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Manawa, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Whare, Raukawa and the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi/hapu. Together these iwi have a population of over 100,000 people. Ngati Rangitihi was part of the Collective in the process of negotiating the proposal, but was not able to endorse the settlement in the Collective endorsement process. If Ngati Rangitihi is able to satisfy the Crown that there is broad support for the settlement within the iwi, within the next six months, there is an opportunity for it to join the settlement.

The settlement will also lead to a very substantial investment into the central north island region, from which the wider region and New Zealand as a whole should benefit.

3. Are the public’s rights affected?

No. Public access to the forests will continue following settlement date. The Collective has agreed to preserve and enhance existing public access to the Central North Island forest estate for the continued enjoyment of all New Zealanders. Much of this access would otherwise expire upon transfer of the lands in settlement.

4. What effect does this settlement have on the one previously negotiated by the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi/Hapū represented by Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa?

The participation of Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa in the Central North Island Forests Iwi Collective process has required the amendment of the settlement negotiated between the Crown and the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi/Hapū in 2006. The commercial forestry redress negotiated in that settlement has been replaced by a share in the Collective’s forest assets.

5. What are Crown forest lands and Crown Forest Licenses?

In order to protect Crown land for use in possible later Treaty Settlements, the Crown Forests Assets Act 1989 created Crown Forest Licenses, separating the ownership of the forest from the underlying land. The licenses are owned by investors and their rentals are held by the Crown Forestry Rental Trust. The Crown and Maori nominate the Trustees. When the underlying Crown held forest lands are transferred to iwi in Treaty settlements the accumulated rentals are also transferred to the settling group. Further details on the rentals can be found at www.cfrt.org.nz.

6. Why are the rentals not counted as financial redress by the Crown?

Since 1989, and the passage of the Crown Forestry Assets Act, the Crown Forestry Rental Trust has been receiving rentals from Crown Forest Licensed land pending the resolution of Treaty claims to the land. The rentals represent earnings foregone from the forest land during the time it has taken to resolve the claims, and are not offset against settlement quantum.

7. What forest land is included in the Crown forest lands in this proposal?

The land under the Kaingaroa, Horohoro, Marotini, Waituhi, Pureora South, Waimihia, Taurewa and Whakarewarewa forests. The total land area covered by these licenses is over 176,000 hectares.

8. What does on account mean?

Comprehensive settlements for the CNI Collective iwi will be negotiated separately, (and have been completed in the case of the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi and Hapu). These settlements will take into account what the iwi have already received under this settlement. Any additional redress for each iwi above what they receive in this package will be decided in their individual discussions with the Crown about the remaining elements of the settlements of their historical claims.

9. How will proposed redress be allocated amongst the members of the Collective?

The Collective iwi have agreed amongst themselves on a process to allocate the land which is based on mana whenua and principles of tikanga Maori. The process will be completed by 1 July 2011. The Collective has agreed to allocate the accumulated rentals and ongoing rental income proportionally as set out in the Bill. The allocation for the individual iwi closely aligns with the Crown’s own assessment of how the redress be allocated.

10. What about the interests of iwi who are not members of the Collective?

The Crown will hold 13.3% of the Crown forest lands (by value) to settle other claims to the CNI forest lands. This has changed from 10%, as Ngati Rangitihi has not agreed to the settlement. The Crown’s 13.3% holding will revert to 10% if Ngati Rangitihi decides formally to agree to the settlement and is able to satisfy the Crown there is broad support for doing so. In that case it will be included in the settlement and the Collective’s share restored to 90% and the Crown’s share to 10%. After six years, any lands not used in settlements with those iwi will be available to the Collective. Mechanisms for deciding on allocation are still being explored. The Waitangi Tribunal will continue to have jurisdiction over the Crown’s proportion for this period.

11. How was the settlement ratified?

Support for the settlement was demonstrated through a number of hui held both by the Collective and the Crown. The Collective held over 70 hui in total, with each iwi in the Collective determining its own endorsement process. Some used postal votes, and others hui votes. Four public meetings were convened by the Crown in the CNI area to hear the views of iwi and the public directly, and written submissions were also invited. The Crown also engaged directly with neighbouring iwi who have forest related claims to make sure it understood the implications of the proposed settlement for those iwi. Te Puni Kokiri acted as an independent observer at the Collective and Crown hui and provided an report on the process. The majority of Collective iwi endorsed the settlement during consultation, with the exception of Ngati Rangitihi, who in a contested result did not agree to the settlement. Ngati Rangitihi is consequently not included in the settlement Bill, however the Crown and the Collective are holding open a window of opportunity for Ngati Rangitihi to agree to the settlement within the next six months. If the iwi can satisfy the Crown there is broad support for the settlement within Ngati Rangitihi, the iwi will be included in the Bill through a Supplementary Order Paper.

12. What happens next?

Now that the Crown is satisfied of a broad level of support for the redress package from a majority of iwi, a Deed of Settlement will be signed and legislation to implement the settlement will have its first reading. The government will continue to support the Collective to identify and explore economic opportunities to maximise the returns to the member iwi and the CNI region, and to New Zealand as a whole.

13. How has public access been enhanced?

The right of the public to enter and use the land for recreational purposes which would usually fall away on settlement is to be maintained. This includes protecting cycle and horseback access in the Whakarewarewa Whaka and Tokorangi forests. The Collective (and the licensees) have also agreed to extend vehicular access to four track ends within the Whirinaki Forest land. Principles for protecting the Whakarewarewa Whaka and Tokorangi forests have been agreed with the Collective. If the Rotorua District Council also agree they will be included in the Deed of Settlement.

14. What about the impact of the settlement on conservation values?

The Crown, the Collective and the licensees have agreed to additional protection for two areas of high ecological value. They are a 15 ha wetland that is home to a threatened species of swamp leek orchid and the 127 ha Rangitaiki River wetlands which have exceptional conservation values. Additional vehicular access has also been provided for conservation staff.

15. What impact will the new emissions policy have on the way in which the forests are used in the future?

Ministers have yet to make final decisions on emissions policy. If the Climate Change Emissions Trading Bill being passed into law, the Collective will receive an allocation of New Zealand Units as a consequence of receiving the land, on the basis that the CNI forests land is pre-1990 forest land.

16. Will all the land be held by one entity after settlement?

The legislation will set up a trust holding company that that will receive the forest lands and accumulated rentals, and will hold the land until and unless allocated to individual iwi. Transfer of the land allocated can be made after 6 years or earlier if the Crown agrees. Members of the Collective (and the Crown until its share has been transferred to either settle other claims or to the Collective) will own shares in the company, and will have equal voting rights (i.e. one vote per shareholder).

NZ wants to see Fiji meet its Forum commitments

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:25:13 +1200

The current state of the relationship between Fiji and New Zealand is a direct result of the unlawful military takeover of December 2006. While it is true that this event, and the actions stemming from it, have restricted the way we engage with each other, diplomatic channels are most certainly still open and active.

New Zealand’s interest in seeing Fiji prosper in a stable political environment has been a consistent part of our foreign policy for several decades.

The past eighteen months have been an extremely active period for the Pacific Forum in terms of its regional diplomacy on Fiji. There have been three meetings of Forum foreign ministers, as well as a key Forum leaders’ meeting in Tonga which devoted considerable effort to encouraging the restoration of democratic and constitutional government within Fiji.

Forum leaders will next meet in Niue in August and Fiji will again be on the agenda.

Prior to that meeting, the Foreign Ministers of New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu will participate in the Forum’s Ministerial Contact Group on Fiji. We will spend the coming weeks formulating a clear view on the state of Fiji’s electoral preparations to report back.

All of this demonstrates that New Zealand, along with Fiji’s other regional neighbours within the Forum, care deeply about what happens in Fiji. We all look forward to the day when the situation in Fiji will no longer be a subject of concern within Forum discussions.

While the Fiji interim government has sometimes reacted critically to the actions of the Forum and its individual members, it is important to recognise that those actions are grounded in a deep concern about Fiji’s future.

The Fiji interim government made important commitments to Forum leaders in Tonga last year. It agreed to hold free and fair elections by March 2009, in accordance with Fiji’s electoral laws and constitution - and to respect the outcome of those elections.

In Suva, New Zealand continues to work in the Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group to encourage further movement in this direction. These efforts are supported by other international partners and donors, including the European Union and the United States.

It is important to underline that New Zealand does not see elections as offering a full solution to Fiji’s internal problems. We recognise that Fiji’s problems are complex and deep, and we remain willing to provide support and assistance in addressing these challenges, as we have done for many years.

What is needed to address these issues is a truly inclusive and independent process of political dialogue, which will formulate solutions in a co-operative and collaborative way. It goes without saying that New Zealand cannot accept that a military dominated administration which lacks a popular mandate should impose its will on the people of Fiji. Nor do we believe that such an imposed solution will endure. There is a real risk that it will exacerbate Fiji’s divisions.

That is why New Zealand continues to call on Fiji’s interim government to honour its commitments to advance electoral preparations. That is also why we call on the interim government, and all other key political leaders within Fiji, to participate in discussions aimed at identifying some of the key issues that a properly constituted government will need to consider.

In this way, we hope to nurture a climate that will enable free and fair elections.

New Zealand also remains actively engaged with Fiji through our aid programme. This includes through the assistance we have provided for electoral preparations, and also through the programmes to support communities within Fiji.

For example, in the past year New Zealand has provided over $400,000 of humanitarian assistance to help poor families who have lost livelihoods due to heavy flooding and the closure of the Vatukoula gold mine on the main island.

Many Fijians, including some members of the interim government, have lived and studied in New Zealand, and know our country well. They should also know that New Zealand’s policies and approach to Fiji are consistent with those adopted after previous coups in Fiji and with our responses to coups in other countries.

New Zealand places such a high importance on ensuring that Fiji meets its commitments to Forum leaders, because this will clear the way for the restoration of the close and friendly relationship we enjoyed in the past.

We all look forward to that day.

Peters statement to Foreign Affairs Select Committee

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:29:56 +1200

Thank you Mr Chair. I am pleased to report to the Committee that this year’s Budget includes a long- overdue and significant five-year funding boost for Vote: Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This will enable the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to respond to a more complex and challenging global environment. It will better enable the Ministry to exploit economic opportunities for New Zealand, in both emerging markets and with traditional partners.

Before responding to your questions, it is important to outline why this ‘seismic shift’ in our international effort is not only desirable, but essential.

Firstly, the funding boost must be seen in the context of the cutbacks suffered in the late 1980s and early 90s when, in just a few years, the Ministry’s funding declined in real terms by more than 30 percent.

Posts were closed in Athens, Bahrain, Lima, Vienna and Harare. Smaller posts in Adelaide, Chicago, Dallas, Osaka, Perth, San Francisco and Toronto were also closed. Not one of them has been reopened.

Staff numbers fell by around 100 between 1989 and 1991, and were built up only gradually after that. Even now, Foreign Affairs has fewer staff than it did in 1989 – about 610, compared with around 630 back then.

That’s despite the world being a much more complex and competitive place than it was 20 years ago.

The Ministry – and by extension New Zealand’s ability to pursue its interests overseas – has never recovered from those cutbacks.

Even though Foreign Affairs has been creative in maintaining its core capability, it is well behind where New Zealand needs it to be in several key areas.

Diplomacy is a people-based business. We can only be successful if we have well-trained people on the ground in foreign capitals, building contacts and knowledge, and lobbying for New Zealand. Equally, those people need adequate policy and logistical support back home.

We have just over 600 diplomats and support staff to maintain our foreign affairs and trade relationships. About 200 – a third of the total – staff our 50 overseas missions.

That’s a very small resource, especially when you consider our increasing responsibilities in the Pacific; our rapidly growing interests in Asia; the global reach of our trading interests, and the need to influence multilateral decisions that impact on our national interests.

It’s a resource that allows us to only manage the relationships we have now. It does not allow us to do anything better; to exploit emerging opportunities, or to take on new challenges.

To do these things, we need greater depth and expertise in the foreign service.

The importance of prudent investment of taxpayers’ funds in the foreign service has been recognised by other countries of a similar size and outlook to New Zealand.

Our foreign ministry has considerably fewer staff and a much smaller budget than its counterparts in Ireland, Singapore, or Norway, all of which have similar populations to New Zealand.

Ireland, for example, has twice as many foreign affairs staff as we do.

All these countries have a significantly greater international presence than New Zealand, even though they have smaller and less demanding immediate neighbourhoods and, arguably, less expansive trading interests. And they seem to be prospering.

About a quarter of our overseas posts have just two New Zealand staff, who are expected to manage complex relationships covering trade, government-to-government relations, New Zealanders in distress, official visits, and so on.

Some of these small posts are in major centres where there is a very high workload – for instance, Tehran, Shanghai and Buenos Aires. Others are in particularly challenging environments, especially in the Pacific and the Middle East.

You cannot hope to manage every aspect of a relationship in these places with only two seconded New Zealand officers.

We are lightly covered in Australia, which is our closest friend, our biggest trading partner, and home to many expatriate New Zealanders.

We have no on-the-ground representation in the Nordic states, which have similar outlooks to New Zealand on a raft of foreign policy and other areas, and offer good prospects for New Zealand businesses.

We have minimal representation in the Middle East – a key region in world affairs and an area where we have major trading interests.

Plugging the most obvious gaps in our on-the-ground representation is a matter of some urgency. That is why back in April I announced the opening of diplomatic posts in Brisbane and Sweden, and the reinstatement of an MFAT presence in Melbourne.

I’m pleased to say that the new posts will be operational in a week or two, with Heads of Mission in place, and working to advance New Zealand interests.

Foreign Affairs in Wellington is thinly staffed and this, too, is a cause for concern. Vital relationships are commonly managed by just one or two people.

For example just one desk officer manages the New Zealand end of our relationship with Korea. The same applies to India – which is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s biggest economies – as well as four other bilateral relationships.

Foreign Affairs has taken all the steps it can be expected to with the resources it has.

For instance, some geographical divisions have been amalgamated to make better use of staff.

Working relationships between NZAID and the wider Ministry have been strengthened so there are more synergies between aid and foreign policy.

Computer and other networks are being kept going to the very end of their life expectancies and then some.

My predecessor arranged a welcome funding package in 2003 that has allowed operational capability to be maintained until now. But efficiency gains and short-term funding top-ups are not enough.

That is why the step change package includes a sizeable increase in capital funding of $98 million over five years.

Foreign Affairs is doing the job expected of it, but it is working at the outer limit of what is possible. It is running just to stand still, and of course the world is not standing still.

The funding increases announced in the Budget are long overdue. They will better equip the Ministry to meet global challenges that must be confronted and overcome if New Zealand is to remain a prosperous and competitive country, in a stable region, in a peaceful and sustainable world.

Finally a few words about NZAID.

We are now in the second year of a four-year growth path for New Zealand’s aid programme, which will better enable us to meet development challenges, primarily in the Pacific region but also in other areas of importance to us.

ODA expenditure is on track to reach 0.35 per cent of Gross National Income by 2010/11 – a significant improvement on any ratio achieved by New Zealand since the 1970s.

Next week I will be launching our new Pacific Strategy.

The Pacific remains New Zealand’s main development focus, accounting for 70 per cent of our bilateral aid, and over 50 per cent of our total aid.

This is allowing us to make a sustainable impact on improving health and education in the Pacific; to address infrastructure gaps and promote economic growth, and to improve governance and leadership.

NZAID is a young agency. Since it started in 2002, it has undergone major growth in order to manage our growing aid programme. This has had some consequences, as shown in the audit rating it received last year around contract management.

I am confident that the agency is lifting its performance in this area through its two-year Control Environment Strengthening Programme.

It is clear that NZAID continues to develop an excellent international reputation as a focused, intelligent and trusted development partner.

I now welcome the opportunity to discuss the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s estimates for 2008/2009 with you.

Go further - volunteer

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:17:38 +1200

Volunteer Awareness Week , from 15 to 21 June 2008, is a time to acknowledge the vital contribution made by more than a million volunteers toward the well-being of fellow New Zealanders.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, working in every facet - from meals on wheels to community patrols, from volunteer fire fighters to the running of marae to driving an older neighbour to the supermarket. The contribution made every week by our sports volunteers is nothing but tremendous.

Volunteering contributes to the kiwi way of life, and contributes to our sense of belonging and national identity. Volunteers also make an enormous contribution to our economy.

A recent survey by Statistics New Zealand found that over one million Kiwi volunteers gave an incredible 270 million hours of unpaid labour. And if this labour was valued at market wages the overall contribution of non-profits rises to $6.95 billion or 4.9 per cent of GDP – the same as the entire construction industry.

The Labour-led government is serious about supporting the voluntary sector and adopted a formal policy on volunteering back in 2002.

Since 1999 the Government has funded volunteer centres and provided over $17 million to grass roots community projects through the Community Partnership Fund with a further $6 million provided in the 2008 budget. The Government has also set up the Charities Commission to encourage transparency and confidence in the charitable sector.

The Labour-led government is also implementing Pathway to Partnership a new funding model worth $446 million which will benefit community organisations delivering essential services to families and communities.

Additionally, tax changes to charitable donations and the introduction of a new voluntary payroll system, will further strengthen the financial base of volunteer organisations.

More information

Volunteer Awareness Week: www.ocvs.govt.nz/news-updates/volunteer-awareness-week.html
Volunteer Awareness Week blog: http://volunteeringnz.blogspot.com/
How you can Go further – volunteer: www.volunteernow.org.nz/jobs/
ComVoiceS -- an independent network of Tangata Whenua and leading community and voluntary organisations.

Ministerial media statements and speeches

You can always find all the latest ministerial statements and speeches about the community and voluntary sector on the main portfolio webpage here: www.beehive.govt.nz/portfolio/community+and+voluntary+sector

The website of the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (administered by the Ministry of Social Development) is here: www.ocvs.govt.nz

Documents specifically about Volunteer Awareness Week 2008:

Volunteer Awareness Week -- Comunity and Voluntary Sector (also Social Development Minister) Ruth Dyson kicks off the week. 15 June statement
Volunteers work vital part of NZ communities -- Whether it’s replanting native shrubs, or supporting a new mum, the work of thousands of volunteers throughout New Zealand is a vital part of our social fabric. Conservation, Women Affairs and Associate Health Minister Steve Chadwick. 17 June statement
Pacific Island volunteers valued -- Volunteer Awareness Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution of our Pacific volunteers. Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. 17 June statement

World Environment Day

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:15:57 +1200

This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) event since its establishment in 1972.

The theme for this year's World Environment Day is 'kick the carbon habit' and focuses on opportunities for countries, companies and communities to make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle.

Climate change is one of the biggest environmental issues facing the world today and this annual event is an important recognition of today's global interdependence and the responsibility that we all share for securing the welfare of our planet and its people for today and tomorrow.

As one of the first countries with a stated goal to work towards a carbon-neutral future, New Zealand is a logical choice to host the event this year.

New Zealand's programme working towards carbon neutrality involves:

generating 90 per cent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and
halving our per capita transport emissions by 2040.

To incentivise climate-friendly behaviour, the government is introducing:

an emissions trading scheme, which includes all sectors and all gases,
an energy strategy, and
tackling climate change in homes and businesses, science and research.

There are economic opportunities for New Zealand in taking the lead on climate change, big economic risks and costs if we don't. New Zealand can profit by creating efficient and sustainable products the rest of the world wants to buy and we can also demonstrate leadership in the area of pastoral emissions.

Agriculture, which includes livestock, is an important sector in New Zealand's economy, and New Zealand is already a world leader in agricultural research. We are now turning our expertise towards research to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, including methane from livestock - which accounts for about half of our greenhouse emissions.

While New Zealand's capital city Wellington will play host to the main UN World Environment Day events, local communities are undertaking their own environmental activities throughout the country through more than 120 community and school-based events. There are huge numbers of New Zealanders involved in celebrations, and this is a fantastic indication of this country's drive towards sustainability and reducing the impacts of climate change.

More information on World Environment Day: www.sustainability.govt.nz/wed

World Environment Day media statements and speeches

NZ hosting World Environment Day – New Zealand hosting World Environment Day -- the first time New Zealand has hosted this significant international event since 1972. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard media statement
Kiwi business join UN Climate Neutral Network: New Zealand businesses are set to strengthen the kiwi presence and leadership on the United Nations' Climate Neutral Network - with 16 joining so far and others poised to sign up. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard's speech to the NZ meeting of the Climate Neutral Network, plus related media statement. 4 June, 2008
World Food Security: The Challenge of Climate Change and Bioenergy -- In Rome, Italy, Agriculture minister Jime Anderton tells the United Nations Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO) that our responsibility as leaders is to be strong enough and to care enough to put aside political expediency, and thus provide the leadership required to work together as one people on one planet.
Keep it simple on World Environment Day– Tree planting is a simple and effective way for people throughout the country to get involved and contribute to solutions on World Environment Day. Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick. Media statement
International environment art award – announcing the winner of the prestigious International Children’s Painting Competition, held to celebrate World Environment Day each year. Prime Minister Helen Clark media statement
Kiribati President to visit for World Environment Day -- Kiribati President Anote Tong arrives in New Zealand this week as a key international guest for World Environment Day and for a bilateral Head of State visit. Prime Minister Helen Clark media statement
Outstanding contributions to the environment --This year’s Green Ribbon Awards honour outstanding contributions to the environment, and tonight’s award ceremony marks the beginning of events celebrating New Zealand’s hosting of World Environment Day. Prime Minister Helen Clark media statement
World Environment Day Science Breakfast – The atmosphere is a very thin skin covering the planet -- a tiny layer sustains life on the planet. And only the very lowest part of this tiny layer is habitable by humans. Research, Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson media statement
Automobile, Transport And Environment Summit–Prime Minister Helen Clark speaks to the Automobile, Transport And Environment Summit, a World Environment Day event. Prime Minister Helen Clark speech
Joining forces to mark World Environment Day – the joint NZ government/United Nations Environment Programme press conference for World Environment Day. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard speech
Towards a low-carbon economy – Business opportunities and innovative solutions: the Prime Minister delivers the opening address to World Environment Day Business Symposium. Prime Minister Helen Clark speech
Green Ribbon Awards – The Prime Minister speaks at the World Environment Day 2008 Green Ribbon Awards. Prime Minister Helen Clark speech

Budget 2008

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:20:24 +1200

Budget 2008: A Fair Economy, A Strong Future

Finance Minister Michael Cullen's ninth Budget is a plan for a fairer economy and a strong future for New Zealand.

Delivered at a time of global ecconomic challenge, the Budget provides relief for workers while maintaining the government's investment in social services. It also looks to the future, with strong investments in a modern rail service, broadband, and gloablly competitive New Zealand firms.

On this page you will find all ministerial speeches, statements and media backgrounders on Budget 2008.

Budget 2008 Overview

Budget 2008 speech Dr Cullen's speech for Budget 2008 -- the Appropriation (2008/09 Estimates) Bill
Investing in a strong future for New Zealand – Budget 2008 invests in the Government’s plan for a strong, sustainable future for New Zealand. Helen Clark, Prime Minister
Budget for fair economy and a strong future – Providing relief to workers and planning for a strong future are at the centre of Finance Minister Michael Cullen’s ninth Budget. Michael Cullen, Finance
Tax cuts for all workers on 1 October – The government will deliver a three-year programme of personal tax cuts to all workers starting on 1 October this year. Michael Cullen, Finance
Budget speech to Auckland Chamber of Commerce – The Prime Minister speaks to Auckland Chamber of Commerce Post Budget Luncheon. 23 May, 2008. Helen Clark, Prime Minister

Economic Transformation

New Zealand’s digital pathway: A fast broadband future – Budget 2008 is the government’s first five-year down-payment for a 10 year plan which will take New Zealand towards the government’s vision of a fast broadband future. David Cunliffe, Communications and Information Technology
Investing in sustainable homes and communities – Budget 2008 builds on work already underway to help New Zealanders use our resources wisely, and protect our precious natural environment. David Parker, Climate Change Issues; Maryan Street, Housing
Step change in New Zealand innovation – Innovation and skills funding in Budget 2008 signals a step change towards a high wage-high skill future for New Zealand. Pete Hodgson, Research, Science and Technology
Skills package funding supports productivity – Productivity increases are being supported by this government with $168 million in operating funding over four years to provide workers with the right skills for the complexities of the modern workplace. Ruth Dyson, Social Development and Employment
Investment in students strengthened – Budget 2008 further strengthens the government’s investment in tertiary students with a student support package valued at $130.8 million in operating funding and $24.4 million in capital funding over four years. Pete Hodgson, Tertiary Education
Tax cuts deliver NZ Superannuation boost – Older people will benefit greatly from a number of initiatives in Budget 2008. Ruth Dyson, Senior Citizens
Record investment in transport continues – The government’s major reinvestment in transport infrastructure takes another step forward from July 1. Michael Cullen, Finance
Funding to protect investors – Budget 2008 provides funding to better protect investors, address barriers to economic growth and improve government services to business. Lianne Dalziel, Commerce
Budget buys rail back for New Zealanders – Budget 2008 includes $690 million in capital funding to buy back the rail system after 15 years of private ownership. Michael Cullen, Finance
Tax changes to lower costs for NZ businesses – Legislation to be introduced to Parliament next month will reduce tax-related compliance costs and remove tax impediments to the offshore expansion of New Zealand-resident businesses. Michael Cullen, Finance
Government invests in primary industries’ future – Government committed to the future of New Zealand’s primary industries. Jim Anderton, Agriculture

Families, Young and Old

Investing in the future of our young people – The government continues to invest in education so our young people can successfully meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Chris Carter, Education
Strengthening health services we can trust – Health services will receive $750 million per annum in this year’s budget to focus on key areas within the health sector to ensure co-ordinated enhancement of services. David Cunliffe, Health
A major investment in affordable homes – Budget 2008's significant investment in affordable housing reflects a wide-ranging plan of action to ensure New Zealanders’ housing needs and expectations can be met in the future. Maryan Street, Housing
Initiatives strengthen modern justice system – Budget 2008 provides a range of initiatives across the wider justice sector to strengthen the justice system and ensure that New Zealanders live in safe and responsive communities. Annette King, Justice; Phil Goff, Corrections; Rick Barker, Courts
Government invests in strong communities – This government’s investment in strong families and communities will be significantly advanced through Budget 2008. Ruth Dyson, Social Development and Employment
SuperGold benefits for travel, hearing aids – SuperGold Card holders will reap the rewards of government enhancements in this year’s Budget. Winston Peters, Senior Citizens

National Identity

Investing in the future of Māori – Māori are entrepreneurial, youthful and dynamic and Budget 2008 aims to harness this potential and grow it to help secure Māori now and into the future. Parekura Horomia, Maori Affairs
Investing in our Pacific communities ; Manuia mo Tagata Pasifika – Budget 2008 continues the government's drive to enhance and support the social wellbeing, economic prosperity, and diverse cultures of Pacific people in New Zealand. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Pacific Island Affairs; David Cunliffe, Health
Boosting relationships in Asia and the Pacific – Budget 2008 will help New Zealand strengthen its key relationships in Asia and in the Pacific by investing in the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Winston Peters, Foreign Affairs
Next step to modernise and rebuild defence force – Budget 2008 invests $276.4 million in the New Zealand Defence Force over the next four years as part of our sustained efforts to rebuild and modernise the defence force under this Government. Phil Goff, Defence
New investments promote unique New Zealand identity – Significant new investments in New Zealand’s arts, culture, and heritage are a feature of Budget 2008. Helen Clark, Arts, Culture and Heritage; Trevor Mallard. Broadcasting
Historic Vice Regal residence preserved for future – New Zealand’s most historic and constitutionally important residence is to be renovated and conserved for future generations. Helen Clark, Arts, Culture and Heritage.
Recognition for New Zealand authors in Budget 08 – New Zealand authors have gained well-deserved recognition with an additional $2 million over four years being invested in the New Zealand Authors Fund. Helen Clark, Arts, Culture and Heritage.
Incentive scheme for domestic screen production – Funding certainty for future New Zealand film and television production is boosted under a new scheme announced as part of today’s budget. Helen Clark, Arts, Culture and Heritage.

Budget measures announced before 22 May

A number of announcements were made prior to 22 May about measures in Budget 2008.

More money for day-to-day running of schools -- Budget 2008 sees schools get a significant boost in funding to help meet their day-to-day running costs and provide computer technology, Education Minister Chris Carter announced today. Chris Carter, Education. 21 May, 2008
$8.8 million over 4 years to support best practice prescribing -- funding for a national electronic health formulary. Peter Dunne, Associate Health.19 May, 2008
Thousands more patients to receive elective services -- An extra $160 million in health funding will see thousands more patients receive elective services over the next four years. David Cunliffe, Health.18 May, 2008
$35 million shared equity pilot funded in Budget 2008 – Budget 2008 to fund a two year Shared Equity pilot to assist up to 700 households into starter homes in regions with the highest house prices. Maryan Street, Housing, 16 May, 2008
State house insulation programme fast-tracked – A major Budget 2008 funding injection will see the state house insulation programme dramatically accelerated, improving tenant health and delivering energy cost savings for 21,000 households. Maryan Street, Housing, 15 May, 2008
Budget boost for feature race stakes – New Zealand’s premier races set for significant lift in prizemoney with $9 million over the next three years available in Budget 2008 for co-sponsorship arrangements. Winston Peters, Racing, 15 May, 2008
Canterbury Transport Project receives funding boost –Canterbury region to receive $33.5 million in funding over four years (2008 -2012) to invest in transport infrastructure. Michael Cullen, Finance; and Annette King, Transport. 15 May, 2008
$46 million more for injured New Zealanders -- Informal home-based carers of ACC claimants to get an increase in hourly payments. Maryan Street, ACC. 8 May, 2008
Obsolete Mt Eden Prison to be replaced – plans for the replacement of the Victorian era Mt Eden Prison: 21st Century security and standards, Auckland prisoners kept in Auckland, heritage features preserved. Phil Goff, Corrections. 7 May, 2008
Rail buy back marks new sustainable era for transport – agreement with Toll Holdings Ltd for the purchase of Toll New Zealand’s rail and ferry business. Prime Minister Helen Clark and Finance Minister Michael Cullen. 5 May, 2008
Fighting cervical cancer – Government commits $164.2 million new funding over five years to a major immunisation programme to fight cervical cancer. Helen Clark, Prime Minister; David Cunliffe, Health; and Steve Chadwick, Associate Health. 2 May 2008
Charitable giving made easier for donors and volunteers -- payroll giving to charities will be possible from next year. Peter Dunne, Revenue. 17 April, 2008
Student exchange with European universities funded -- $600,000 over four years to fund a new European Union/New Zealand exchange programme administered by the Tertiary Education Commission. pete Hodgson, Tertiary Education. 14 April, 2008
Funding boost for Search and Rescue -- Search and Rescue in New Zealand will receive an additional $8.4 million over the next two years, beginning on 1 July. Announced at the New Zealand Search and Rescue Council Awards. Annette King, Transport. 10 April, 2008
Govt commits $72 million for Rotorua Lakes clean-up -- The Government is committing $72.1 million over ten years to a programme to clean up the most seriously degraded Rotorua lakes. Helen Clark, Prime Minister, and trevor Mallard, Environment. 26 March, 2008
NZ Fast Forward – $700 million committed to a new research, development, and innovation plan for the future in New Zealand’s pastoral and food industries. Helen Clark, Prime Minister, plus numerous other ministers and portfolios. 11 March, 2008
$46 million more for injured New Zealanders – The Government allocates an additional $46.5 million over four years to support injured New Zealanders. Maryan Street, ACC, 8 May, 2008
Seismic change for Foreign Affairs – New posts and a major increase in overseas staff will result from a major funding injection for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Winston Peters, Foreign Affairs, 16 April, 2008
A new funding model for social services -- A new model for working with community organisations to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for families, children and young people -- Government investing $446 million over the next four yearsRead full feature. Ruth Dyson, Social Development and Employment. 12 February, 2008

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Ministerial media statements and speeches

World Environment Day

World Environment Day media statements and speeches

Budget 2008

Budget 2008 Overview

Economic Transformation

Families, Young and Old

National Identity

Budget measures announced before 22 May

Other links

Treasury website